Shina Abubakar, Osogbo

The Federal Government has disclosed that tackling the menace of climate change in Nigeria requires urgent cross-sectoral collaboration.

This was disclosed by the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, while speaking via Zoom at a three-day International Conference, themed “accelerating climate action for sustainable livelihoods in Nigeria”, organised by the Faculty of Social Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife , Osun State on Wednesday.

The Minister, whose speech was read by the Director, Department of Climate Change in the Ministry, Dr. Iniobong Abiola-Awe, stressed that the fight against climate change is not a solo mission—it is a concerto of expertise. Whether you are a scientist, entrepreneur, artist, or policymaker, your perspective matters.

“Let us commit to breaking down silos, embracing diverse knowledge, and co-creating solutions that are as interconnected as the ecosystems we strive to protect. Together, through collaboration and partnership, we can turn the tide on climate change and build a resilient, equitable, and sustainable future for all.

“In closing, climate change knows no borders. No nation is immune to the effects of climate change, and no nation can tackle it alone. To this end, I call on the university authority to collaborate with the Ministry in promoting evidence-based research on climate change and renewable energy solutions to support our net zero green transition pathway by 2060.”

While reiterating the Ministry’s Commitment to developing and implementing policies that integrate ecosystem restoration, sustainable agriculture, and enhance community resilience to climate change, he said, “initiatives such as the Great Green Wall and the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) underscored the Ministry’s dedication and commitment to building resilient communities that can cope and adapt to the impacts of climate induced vulnerability while promoting a just, equitable and inclusive growth pathways that leaves no one behind.

In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Professor Simeon Bamire, expressed optimism about the power of collective intellect and collaboration in tackling the global climate crisis.

He said, “while the tasks before us during this conference and in the critical work that lies beyond demand creativity, resilience, and unwavering determination, I am filled with deep and abiding hope. That hope is grounded in the belief that the collective will, intellect, and passion of everyone gathered here today will help find practical and lasting solutions to the global challenge that climate change poses.”

Earlier in his welcome address, the Host and Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences of OAU, Professor T. O. Odekunle, explained that stakeholders were deliberately invited to brainstorm and come up with concrete actions that will guarantee sustainable livelihood under a highly variable and changing climate.

“The most critically impacted sectors in Nigeria’s economy are agriculture, water resources, natural resources productivity, biodiversity and ecosystems, health, land use, energy, transport, industry, human settlements and migration, and the coastal belt.

“The adverse impacts of climate change on weather patterns often result in droughts, floods, and desertification, affecting agricultural production and food security, access to clean water, and livelihoods. Livelihoods are one of the most at-risk dimensions to climate change because they depend on the diversity, health, and productivity of ecosystems and humans,” Odekunle said.